I Remember an America

I remember an America where we didn’t all agree,

But we stuck together, worked it out, and thanked God for liberty.

I remember there was once a nation that before it’s flag stood tall,

Not having to protest the whole of it when most was well with all.

I once knew a people of principle, who were not ashamed of God,

They were a light unto a darker world, where saints had not yet trod.

I once looked forward to the future desiring to leave a better world,

For our nation’s children and many others, who now burn the flag unfurled.

The days ahead once were brighter than they seem to be right now,

We have homes and food and water, but have lost the common law.

Not the law of politicians but the law which Christ commands,

That we love one another and not bring evil to our land.

Once we could disagree and be civil while we worked our problems out,

But now all comes with protest, hate, and all things good put into doubt.

Can we stop for just a moment, take a breath, and just behold,

The world of blessings in which we live, how can our hearts be so cold?

Because we disagree on methods or swing to the right or to the left,

Must we leave our once great nation so spiritually bereft?

We are not a godly nation when our own way must always prevail.

Until we seek the good of others, God’s law will not prevail.

We will continue on our present course though it leads us off the cliff,

Our children picking up the pieces of a nation now morally adrift.

We have outlasted most democracies, perhaps the republic is to thank,

But our days are so, so fleeting, we rode high before we sank.

It’s seems more important to be hateful and make our point,

When civility and love would be more productive, our ills they would anoint.

But the times have moved beyond what mortal man may cure,

I pray much more often now that our freedom will endure.

I remember an America where we didn’t all agree,

But we stuck together, worked it out, and thanked God for liberty.